Pumas UNAM's search for a new head coach goes on, with club legend Hugo Sanchez admitting he spooke to management, but decided it was not the right time to return.
Spaniard Michel Gonzalez shocked the club on the eve of the new Liga MX season on July 23 by announcing his exit, citing family issues, leaving the university team scrambling for a replacement.
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Sanchez, who won back-to-back titles with Pumas in 2004, told ESPN that he'd spoken to Pumas sporting director "Chucho" Ramirez about the position, but that with the COVID-19 pandemic and at the petition of his daughters, he said the time wasn't right.
"I didn't reject the offer, I postponed it," said Sanchez. "I told him that it could happen at another time, but it's a difficult time right now for the whole world. I told him that they can count on me in the future."
Sanchez made his pro debut for Pumas before going on the find success at Atletico Madrid and then Real Madrid, but said money and transfer strategy hadn't been mentioned in his talk with Ramirez.
Experienced Mexico coach Victor Manuel Vucetich also talked to the club, but couldn't reach a deal, reported David Medrano in Record.
Argentines Bruno Marioni and Hernan Cristante are both options, according to ESPN Mexico, while Israel Lopez is an internal candidate.
TUDN has suggested that Mexico's Under-23 head coach Jaime Lozano could be in the frame, as well as Seattle Sounders assistant Gonzalo Pineda.
Pumas have started the "2020 Guard1anes" season well, defeating Atlas 2-1 on Monday night to make it two wins from two at the start of the campaign.